U.S. President Donald Trump has intensified tensions with Venezuela by declaring the airspace over and around the country “closed in its entirety.”
Posting on Truth Social, he warned airlines, pilots, drug dealers, and human traffickers to avoid Venezuelan airspace. Venezuela’s foreign ministry branded this claim an “extravagant, illegal and unjustified aggression” and a “colonialist threat” undermining its sovereignty, calling on the international community to oppose the move.
This announcement follows a significant U.S. military buildup near Venezuela, including the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and 15,000 troops. Since September, the U.S. has targeted vessels accused of smuggling drugs, resulting in over 80 deaths.
President Nicolás Maduro, whose re-election was widely disputed, views U.S. actions as an attempt to overthrow his government. The U.S. has also labelled the alleged drug cartel linked to Maduro as a foreign terrorist organisation, a designation firmly rejected by Venezuela.
American lawmakers from both parties have criticised Trump for not seeking congressional approval, emphasising that only Congress has authority to declare war. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration’s warning of heightened military activity prompted several airlines to halt flights, leading Venezuela to revoke landing rights for six foreign airlines, accusing them of complying with U.S. “state terrorism.”
Meanwhile, Venezuela’s military conducted coastal exercises to defend its airspace.
The dispute displays geopolitical struggles in Latin America, with some regional leaders condemning U.S. actions as dominance tactics while others back efforts to combat drug trafficking.
Trump’s proclamation marks a clear escalation in U.S.-Venezuela relations, blending military threats, political conflict, and diplomatic tensions.